factoring trinomials: x^2 + 6x + 8

[PunkPrincess9193]

The current topic is called "Factoring Trinomials". I really don't understand anything about this. The following is one of the problems I need to do:

x^2 + 6x + 8

I have to factor this trinomial, but I don't understand it at all, so please explain to me: what it is and how it works. I really appreciate it thanx!

 

[stapel]

It's too bad the topic wasn't at least touched on in class or in your book. Since we can't replace that missing classroom instruction within this environment, please review the following search results to learn what polynomials are, what trinomials are, and how to factor quadratics.

. . . . .Google results for "polynomials"

. . . . .Google results for "trinomials"

. . . . .Google results for "factoring quadratics"

You should be able fairly quickly to find some lessons that "gel" for you. Once you have studied the topic and understand the basic terms and techniques, please attempt the exercise. (Hint: What factors of 8 add up to 6?)

If you get stuck, please reply showing how far you have gotten. Thank you!

Eliz.

 

[galactus]

Look at your quadratic.

\(\displaystyle x^{2}+6x+8\)

Find what two numbers when added equal 6 and when multiplied equal 8

4 and 2. 4+2=6 and (4)(2)=8

\(\displaystyle x^{2}+4x+2x+8\)

\(\displaystyle (x^{2}+4x)+(2x+8)\)

Factor out a common factor for each parentheses:

\(\displaystyle x(x+4)+2(x+4)\)

Always make sure what is inside the parentheses is the same.

\(\displaystyle \L\\\overbrace{(x+2)}^{\text{outside}}\overbrace{(x+4)}^{\text{inside}}\)

Try one this way and post your steps.

 

[arthur ohlsten]

we shall work with the x term and its sign,and the constant term

what are the factors of the constant term? 1,8 2,4

what is the sign of the x term? +

if the sign is + what two factors ADD to the x term coefficient of 6? 2,4
[ if the sign was - we would want to know what two factors have a difference of the x term ]

[ x+2][x+4]= x^2 +6x+8